Unique Rules

Rules Unique to Upward Basketball

The game format, substitution system, and rules for game play which are
unique to Upward Basketball are designed to recognize that Every Child Is a
Winner by promoting character and self-esteem.

Game FormatA
unique element of Upward's Basketball ministry is the game format:

Games consist of three 6-minute periods per half

No timeouts are used in Upward Basketball

Teams switch goals at halftime.

No scores are kept in the kindergarten or first- and second-grade
divisions.

No league standings are maintained in any league. Such standings add
unnecessary pressure and intensity.

Rules for Game
PlayExcept where the rules unique to Upward apply, play is governed by
the National Federation of State High School Associations' Rules Book
(www.nfhs.org).

Man-to-man defense will be played at all times. Zone defenses are not
allowed.

Defensive players must stay within arm's reach of the player they're
guarding.

Isolation plays are not part of Upward Basketball because they take away the
opportunity for all players to improve.

Double-teaming is not allowed. However, help defense is strongly encouraged
in the following instances:

In the Lane AreaIf a defender is in the lane and the player he or
she is guarding is within arm's reach, the defender is allowed to provide help
defense.

Offensive Picks and ScreensDefensive switching is allowed on
offensive picks and screens. The non-screened defender can help his or her
teammate by temporarily switching until the teammate recovers to defend their
offensive player. This is commonly referred to as "help and recover."

During Fast BreaksWhen an offensive player has beaten his or her
defender, another defensive player may help. Upon stopping the fast break,
defenders should return to guarding their assigned players.

Full-court presses are not allowed. Defensive players may not guard their
opponents in the backcourt.

The offense must purposefully attack the defense in every situation - no
stalling. After a warning from the referee, a violation will be called resulting
in a turnover.

Referees will call and explain all violations. The detail of explanations
will vary according to the age group and understanding of the players and should
decrease as the season progresses.

When possible, referees will advise players of potential violations before
the violation occurs.

No technical fouls or protest of games.

No score will be given for a basket in the wrong goal. It will be treated as
a turnover.

A player committing two fouls in one six-minute segment must sit out the
remainder of that segment.

Non-shooting fouls result in the ball being taken out on the side by the
offended team (no bonus rule). All shooting fouls result in free throws.

The game clock runs continuously, with the following rules going into effect
when fewer than two minutes remain in the game:

Non-shooting fouls result in the offensive team getting one point and the
ball.

Shooting fouls result in the offensive team scoring two points. The opposing
team then takes possession.

Players fouled in the act of shooting and making the basket are credited
with the basket plus one point. The opposing team then takes possession.